Maserati Quattroporte set to focus on fuel efficiency

Maserati has announced new plans for the next generation Quattroporte, which will see the new model focus on fuel efficiency.

Since the revival of the model in 2004, the Maserati Quattroporte has received numerous model and engine updates, but has essentially retained the same shape for the past 7 years.

2011 will see the launch of an all-new Quattroporte model. The new model will not only receive a whole new look, but will feature vast mechanical changes as Maserati aims to improve fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent.

New fuel saving measures include smaller fuel efficient engines with the possibility of a V6 engine to join the new model line-up, the latest 8 speed ZF automatic transmission (as seen in the BMW 7 series) and also a first for Maserati the new model will feature the latest in engine stop-start technology which is said to reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent.

To further broaden the appeal for the new Quattroporte, Maserati has also announced the new model line will include AWD variants. This will see it become a direct competitor to the Audi A8 Quattro and Porsche Panamera 4 models.

Maserati is making every effort to see the new generation Quattroporte succeed in the market place. While sales are up 15 percent from 2009, Maserati still has a long road ahead with sales down 49 percent compared to 2008 figures.